Who are 'The Challenge' contestants who died? These contenders won fans' hearts if not the show

Diem Brown's death is said to be the saddest and the most emotional moments in the history of 'The Challenge'
PUBLISHED OCT 12, 2022
Fans still remember Diem Brown, Danny Dias, Ryan Knight and Michelle Parma for their incredible performances on the show (The Challenge)
Fans still remember Diem Brown, Danny Dias, Ryan Knight and Michelle Parma for their incredible performances on the show (The Challenge)

'The Challenge' is among MTV's shows that is full of high-octane energy. The contestants undertake arduous tasks that take a toll on them physically, mentally and emotionally. Sadly, not all the cast members are with us. however, they have left a mark on all the fans of the show.  

'The Challenge' family has lost a few of its members due to various reasons. Keep reading to know more about the late cast members who served us with their entertaining talents.

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Diem Brown

'The Challenge' Diem Brown (The Challenge)
'The Challenge' Season 12 contestant Diem Brown succumbed to cancer in 2014 (The Challenge)

Diem Brown was the 'Fresh Meat' contestant. She was one of the new people that Season 12 included. Back then, Brown was 32 and had already beaten ovarian cancer twice. Sadly, the star faced severe pain during one of the episodes of the show and later was diagnosed with colon cancer. Despite the pain, Brown chose to do the show as she felt like doing the show would give her strength. In one of the episodes, she was seen taking off her wig and talking about the attachment she had with it. That moment brought tears to many eyes and is considered one of the most moments of 'The Challenge' history. Despite chemotherapy and constant treatment, Brown died at the age of 34 in 2014.

Danny Dias

'The Challenge' Danny Dias (The Challenge)
'The Challenge' star Danny Dias died of a substance overdose (The Challenge)

Danny Diaz was 34 years old when he died. In 2017, he was found unconscious in his Brooklyn apartment. The cause of death was reported to be "chronic substance use". Later, it was discovered that the MTV star was on drugs for several years. Dias was on 'Road Rules' before appearing on 'The Challenge: The Gauntlet 2'. 

Ryan Knight

'The Challenge' Ryan Knight (The Challenge)
'The Challenge' Ryan Knight died after overdosing on opioids and alcohol (The Challenge)

Ryan Knight was found dead on November 27, 2021, at his friend's house. According to TMZ, the reality star was "unconscious" and his cause of death was reported to be due to an "accidental overdose". The autopsy report stated that there was alcohol along with the drugs methadone, cocaine, xanax and tramadol. This lethal cocktail of alcohol and drugs led to his death. He died shortly after the 'Battle of the Exes II' was filmed. The show honored him and Brown. Knight also appeared in 'Real World: New Orleans' and 'The Challenge: Battle of the Seasons' and 'Rivals II'. 

Michelle Parma

'The Challenge' Michelle Parma (The Challenge)
'The Challenge' Michelle Parma died in a car accident  in 2002(The Challenge)

Michelle Parma was an alum of 'Road Rules: Europe'. Moreover, she was featured in 'The Challenge: Extreme Challenge'. The reality star died at the age of 27 in a tragic car accident in Texas in October 2, 2002. Parma and her cousin Mandie were in a car when another man lost control of his vehicle ramming them, leading to the sisters' death. As per Heavy, creators of 'The Challenge', Jonathan Murray and Mary-Ellis Bunim described Parma as "one of the nicest and most genuine" people.

'The Challenge: Ride or Dies' is scheduled to release on October 12 at 8 pm ET on MTV.

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